In 1976 a deadly
virus emerged
from the Congo
forest. As swiftly
as it came, it
disappeared,
leaving no trace.
Over the four
decades since,
Ebola has emerged
sporadically, each
time to
devastating effect.
It can kill up to 90
percent of its
victims. In
between these
outbreaks, it is
untraceable, hiding
deep in the jungle.
The search is on to
find Ebola’s elusive
host animal. And

until we find it,
Ebola will continue
to strike.
Acclaimed science
writer and explorer
David Quammen
first came near the
virus while he was
traveling in the
jungles of Gabon,
accompanied by
local men whose
village had been
devastated by a
recent outbreak.
Here he tells the
story of Ebolaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;its
past, present, and
its unknowable
future.Extracted
from Spillover by
David Quammen,
updated and with
additional material.
Ebola: The Natural and Human History of a Deadly Virus